speculate
verb (used without object)
to engage in thought or reflection; meditate (often followed by on, upon, or a clause).
speculates
-
present tense formof speculate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He speculates that tariffs and inflation related to the war in Iran have played major roles in increasing travel expenses from $50,000 to at least $60,000 in one year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
Ms. Allen speculates that the document was “likely” given to Richmond by Paine after he returned to England in 1787.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
News coverage speculates about a "new tone" from the president.
From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026
She speculates that the U.S. and other major powers could argue that keeping weapons on the moon is “perfectly reasonable and legal within their rights under the treaty.”
From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2026
Berkner speculates that this is what happened to the great reptiles; their size may have been all right for a richly oxygenated atmosphere, but they had the bad luck to run out of air.
From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas
